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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Kouame lost for words as Gilas 3x3 misses podium

Kouame lost for words as Gilas 3x3 misses podium

Published Dec 12, 2025 02:55 pm

At A Glance

  • BANGKOK – Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 team big man Ange Kouame was lost for words after a disappointing fourth place finish for the men's team in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Nimibutr Arena on Thursday, Dec. 11 here.
BANGKOK – Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 team big man Ange Kouame was lost for words after a disappointing fourth place finish for the men’s team in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Nimibutr Arena on Thursday, Dec. 11 here.
The Nationals couldn’t sustain their stellar start in the competition, surprisingly bowed to Singapore, 21-20, in the semifinals, and then to Malaysia, 21-19, in the battle for the bronze medal.
“It's really bad, man.I don't have any words right now except, you know, we tried. We tried to get the win. But as everybody says, things happen,” said Kouame who was naturally dejected after the tough loss.
The loss of Gilas marked the first time the Nationals missed the podium ever since the 3x3's inclusion in the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.
Gilas took home the gold that year on home soil, before settling for bronze in 2021. Two years ago saw the Philippines take home a silver, with Eriobu and Sedurifa part of the squad.
Kouame, however, did not make any excuses, admitting that they were simply outplayed by the other teams.
“We fought to the end, man. We made a couple of mistakes. But yeah, we had nothing to blame but us,” said Kouame.
“In a game of 3x3, there is a different situation. Might be up, might be down. And we came as a team, but it wasn't enough. That's all I can say,” he added.
With their loss, both 3x3 teams came out empty-handed in the Games after the women’s squad failed to advance to the knockout rounds, dropping all of its games in the group stage.
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